I need time to turn it around, says Van Gaal
New United boss warns fans not to expect too much early in his reign at Old Trafford as Red Devils look to bounce back in Premier League
Louis van Gaal feels he will need far longer to turn Manchester United's fortunes around despite completing the preseason with six wins out of six.
United rounded off their schedule of preseason fixtures with a 2-1 win over Valencia on Tuesday, giving the Dutchman, who took over after leading the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup last month, victory in his first match as Red Devils boss at Old Trafford.
They now face Swansea in their Premier League opener at home on Saturday, but Van Gaal is unsure whether Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia, who sat out Tuesday's match through injury, will be available.
You can't change everything in three or four weeks and the players can't change either
With those three sidelined, Van Gaal had Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Tyler Blackett at centre back, with Ashley Young and Reece James playing as wing-backs and Michael Keane the only defender on the bench against Spanish side Valencia.
Left back Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera have been the only new signings so far this preseason, although United are widely reported to have made a £16 million (HK$207 million) offer for Sporting Lisbon's 24-year-old Argentina centre back Marcos Rojo.
Including a goalless draw against Inter Milan, which they went on to win on penalties, United recorded victories over LA Galaxy, Roma, Real Madrid and bitter rivals Liverpool during their preseason campaign.
